By Aderonke Ojo
The Founder of the Squash Premier League (SPL), T’Connor Tuodolo, has commended the Squash in Diaspora initiative for its significant contribution to grassroots squash development in Nigeria, describing the organisation as an important partner in the growth and future of the sport.
Speaking on the sidelines , at the closing ceremony of the seventh edition of the Squash in Diaspora Under-11, Under-13 and Under-17 Boys and Girls Junior Championship held in Abuja on Saturday
Tuodolo expressed delight at the strong participation of young squash players from different parts of the country, noting that the large turnout demonstrates the growing potential of squash at the grassroots level.
“This is a wonderful championship. Squash in Diaspora has been one of the pillars of developing grassroots squash in Nigeria, and this is a wonderful initiative. You can see the number of kids that came from all around the country. It’s enormous, just as we expected,” he said.
Tuodolo, who is also a key figure in the development of the Squash Premier League, described his relationship with the Squash in Diaspora team as one built on shared passion, family and a common commitment to giving back to Nigerian squash.
He noted that many members of the diaspora initiative are former Nigerian squash players who have gone on to establish themselves abroad and are now returning to contribute to the development of the next generation.
“Squash in Diaspora has been a family. They have been some of the former squash players who are now in the diaspora and representing us abroad, and they have brought it back home,” Tuodolo said.
According to him, the initiative represents a commendable example of former athletes giving back to the sport and country that helped shape their careers.
“They came back to give back from what they benefited from and achieved before leaving the country. So, I think if everyone can put heads together and come back like this to support grassroots development and help young players achieve what they have achieved, I think the sky will be the limit for Nigerian squash, and Nigerian sports in general.”
The SPL Founder also used the opportunity to call for greater collaboration among the Nigerian diaspora, squash administrators, government agencies, corporate organisations and other stakeholders in the sports sector.
He stressed that sustainable development cannot be achieved by individuals or organisations working in isolation and advocated for joint programmes that would create greater opportunities for young Nigerian squash players.
“We cannot succeed in isolation,” he said. “Being a co-founder of the Squash Premier League, I think if we can come together and organise one or two programmes jointly, it will be of enormous benefit to the development of squash in Nigeria.”
Tuodolo further emphasised the SPL’s readiness to partner with organisations and individuals committed to the advancement of squash, adding that support from established members of the Nigerian squash community in the diaspora would provide significant encouragement to emerging initiatives.
“We are open to partnership and a little bit of support from wherever it may come from. They are already up there, while we are just starting. I think their support will be very, very encouraging.”
The comments come at a time when grassroots sports development is receiving renewed attention, with initiatives such as the Squash Premier League and Squash in Diaspora providing platforms for young athletes to discover their potential, gain competitive experience and aspire to higher levels of the sport.
Tuodolo’s call reinforces the need for stronger collaboration between grassroots organisers, former athletes, the diaspora community, administrators, government and the private sector to build a sustainable pathway for the next generation of Nigerian squash players.
